October 22, 1996
(Social Services)

The following is being distributed at the request of the Social Policy Advisory Committee:

Penny Rowe, chair of the Social Policy Advisory Committee, today announced the schedule for presenters for the committee's public dialogue set for St. John's, Thursday and Friday, October 24 and 25 has been filled, and the committee has had to set aside another day of public meetings in St. John's in order to accommodate the many groups, associations and individuals who have come forward indicating their interest in presenting to the committee. That third day will be November 8. As well, drop-in sessions have been scheduled for St. John's on October 22, 23, and 24, and November 18.

The committee is in the midst of its public dialogue sessions across the province. The committee has visited with numerous groups, associations and individuals in communities throughout Labrador and on the island portion of the province. To date, the committee has visited Wabush/Labrador City, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Nain, Sheshatshui, Mary's Harbour, St. Anthony, L'Anse au Clair, Port au Choix/Port Saunders, Gander, Newtown, Musgrave Harbour and Placentia.

This week, the committee has meetings set for Bell Island and St. John's, with further meetings set for Rocky Harbour, Baie Verte, Stephenville, Port aux Basques, Corner Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor, Milltown, Conne River, Trepassey, Marystown, Bonavista and Clarenville. Mrs. Rowe pointed out that the original schedule was designed to be flexible and respond to the requests of interested groups and individuals. That is why additional meetings have been arranged in other communities.

"I am extremely pleased with the number and quality of the expressions of interest we have received from the public," said Mrs. Rowe. "We knew there would be greater interest in the St. John's area and that is why we originally scheduled two days of meetings in St. John's. The need for the addition of the third day really speaks to the level of interest people have for the work of the committee."

In addition to the public sessions, Mrs. Rowe said she is also encouraged by the number of other initiatives groups are showing in responding to the work of the committee. She said groups have organized their own formal or informal dialogue sessions and invited committee representatives to attend.

"This further speaks to the growing interest in this province," said Mrs. Rowe. "The public dialogue is being carried out to seek input into developing a strategic social plan for the province. The plan, to be prepared in early 1997, will set out the long term objectives, establish priorities and define broad strategies for social policy. Because it will be the framework for policy directions and decision- making into the twenty-first century, it is extremely encouraging to see this kind of interest."

Contact: Doug Scott, (709) 729-2646 or 1-800-814-5611.